One thing is certain when it comes to writing across academic disciplines: No one size fits all. Writing for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is very different from writing for the humanities. Even though both fields place a high value on clarity, precision, and insightful analysis, they require distinct strategies to achieve their objectives. In this article, we’ll take a gander at how to adjust your composing style for each field, assisting you with understanding what makes composing for various disciplines remarkable and successful.
Understanding the Fundamental Differences Between Humanities and STEM Writing
Understanding the fundamental differences between writing in the humanities and STEM subjects is the first step. The human experience is investigated, cultural phenomena are interpreted, and critical thinking and subjective analysis are emphasized in humanities subjects like literature, history, and philosophy. Writing of this kind frequently emphasizes in-depth analysis, argumentation, and comprehension of intricate concepts.
STEM writing, on the other hand, emphasizes facts, data, and actual evidence. STEM writing is precise, succinct, and focuses on concrete results, regardless of whether it is a technical article, a lab report, or a research paper. STEM fields put objective findings and reproducibility ahead of subjective interpretations.
Adapting Your Writing Style for the Humanities
Although writing for the humanities requires a structured approach, it gives you more freedom to express your ideas. Effective humanities writing strategies include the following:
Adopt an Analytical Tone
When writing about the humanities. Instead of just presenting information, you are expected to interpret and investigate concepts. Let’s say you’re doing a book analysis. You might explore the themes, symbolism, and social context of the author. The objective is to demonstrate your comprehension and present novel interpretations, demonstrating your ability to thoughtfully connect ideas.
Practice Argumentation and Evidence
In humanities writing, you are usually asked to make an argument (a thesis) – and then support that claim with evidence from a text(s), historical documents, or some other sort of theory. For instance, if your task is to write an essay about what you believe caused a historical event, then the argument must demonstrate both sides of that debate: it should be firmly rooted and built upon facts. In STEM, data is king — but with humanities writing, you seek support from research (textual, historical, or philosophical) that backs up your point the same as anything else.
Develop a Narrative Flow
Even in research papers or essays, humanities writing can read more like a narrative. You are not merely providing facts; you are developing your analysis, telling a story, and guiding readers through an argument. Maintain clear and engaging language, but keep in mind that readers of the humanities value thoughtful elaboration and insight.
Interact with Existing Scholarship
A large part of the humanities involves interacting with other research and theories. It not only provides a credible reference to an extensive intellectual tradition, but it also signals that you are aware of the range and depth of thought in your subject area. Agree or disagree, one must recognize other views and take them from there.
Adapting Your Style for STEM Writing
A more structured and objective approach is required when writing for STEM. Here are some essentials to keep in mind if you are moving from the humanities to STEM fields:
Prioritize Clarity and Brevity
In STEM writing, clarity and conciseness should be prioritized. Every word should have a purpose. STEM audiences want to see the results and facts right away. Research papers, technical documents, and lab reports should be easy to understand and free of jargon. Concentrate on the essentials rather than lengthy descriptions: what was carried out, how it was carried out, and the outcomes.
Emphasize Structure and Organization
Emphasize structure and organization in STEM writing. For example, the IMRaD (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion) format is common. Your work’s purpose, methodology, findings, and implications are easier for readers to grasp with this format. STEM writing benefits from a highly organized structure, in contrast to humanities writing, which can take a more fluid approach.
Utilize Objective Language
The foundation of STEM writing is objectivity. Typically, personal opinions and florid language are avoided. Instead, use precise language that makes it impossible to be sloppy. For instance, if the findings are conclusive, it may be appropriate to say, “The data shows that…” rather than “The results suggest that…”
Integrate Visuals and Data
Scientific writing in STEM fields often involves the use of graphs, tables, and figures to visualize complex data. Perhaps most importantly, visuals help readers quickly understand patterns, connections, and results without slogging through lengthy paragraphs. Remember, visual elements should reinforce your writing and be clearly labeled.
Cite Reliable Empirical Sources
While humanities writing might reference philosophical arguments, STEM can almost always be supported by empirical sources: usually a peer-reviewed study), technical documentation, and/or an established official theory. It will help you strengthen your research and be quite authentic so the readers can refer to it on what basis you are sharing those findings.
Practical Tips for Switching Between Humanities and STEM Writing
It takes some practice to adjust to the particular requirements of writing for various academic fields. There are a few ways to make the transition easier:
Change Your Vocabulary and Tone
When writing about the humanities, you can use rich, expressive vocabulary and go in-depth with your ideas. Choose words that are clear and precise in STEM. In STEM, substitute “statistically significant” for “somewhat significant.” Clarity and conformity to readers’ expectations are both enhanced by adapting your vocabulary to each field.
Tailor Your Thesis or Hypothesis
In the humanities, a thesis can be interpretive or open-ended. The emphasis is more on presenting a topic for discussion. “Shakespeare’s use of tragic flaws highlights the complexity of human nature,” for instance, STEM, on the other hand, is about testing and proving hypotheses. “Increasing the temperature of the water by 5°C will accelerate bacterial growth by 20%,” for instance.
Learn the Citation Style for Each Discipline
Learn the MLA or Chicago citation style, which is used for books, articles, and other non-technical sources in the majority of humanities disciplines. The APA style, which emphasizes concisely citing studies that have been peer-reviewed, is more prevalent in STEM writing. In your field, knowing the citation style can help you appear more organized and professional.
Practice Writing in Each Style
The best way to change your writing style is to practice. Try writing a brief technical summary or lab report if you’re more comfortable with the humanities. Write a book review or reflective essay if STEM is your strong suit. Your ability to express ideas in a variety of ways will improve with each type of writing, preparing you for any writing assignment in any field.
Conclusion
The fine print in writing for different careers is important both to students as well as professionals. Sure, humanities and STEM might seem like opposites; however, well-composed writing — with a clear objective in mind works to the advantage of both disciplines.
You can achieve anything when you bridge these styles with the appropriate approach. By understanding all the discipline’s unique requirements, you will improve not only your academic skills but also enhance your capability to communicate effectively in a variety of settings.